Nihal Sarin wins gold at FIDE Online World U-18 championship
Indian junior Grandmaster Nihal Sarin defeated Sargyan Shant 1.5-0.5 in the final of the FIDA Online World U-18 championship to clinch the gold medal. According to a report in The Times of India, Nihal defended initially with his black pieces to ensure the points were split before taking advantage with the whites next up to clinch victory. Nihal took 58 moves in total in the second round.
Nihal Sarin took to Twitter to share the news of his triumph saying, “Won the @FIDE_chess U-18 World Youth Championship Gold. #Akshayakalpa.” His handle was then filled with messages of congratulations from around the country.
Rakshitta wins in the U-16 girls category
Meanwhile, in the U-16 girls’ category, Rakshitta Ravi secured gold by defeating China’s Song Yuxin 1.5-0.5. Although the score-line was similar to Nihal’s victory, Rakshitta had it easier. She reportedly held her opponent in the opening round that saw 39 moves before utilizing the advantage with her white pieces in the second round.
Rakshitta secured an extra piece in the mid-game before laying a trap to coast to victory after 35 moves in the second round. Rakshitta’s victory which came before Nihal’s has also been commended by a plethora of chess fans and followers around the country.
Nevin Clinton
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